Commentary on the former survey --- I posted the informal survey question because of Fred Somers' comments in the April 2005 edition of AJOT. Mr. Somers' asserts that OT is ideally suited to meet the health needs of individuals and to flourish in the 21st century. I strongly disagree with his comments but I was interested in what others thought. I must admit that I am surprised and confused at the results of this *informal* survey. (By the way, I did NOT respond to the survey. The one (1)'strongly disagree' vote is not from me)
In my opinion and experience, OT struggles and lags far behind other health professions. I believe that we are much closer to losing our profession rather than "flourishing". OT loses ground every year because of encroachment, lack of unity, poor service delivery, lack of reimbursement, etc. I wonder if there isn't a "white elephant" syndrome going on. You know, the "hey, there's an elephant in the living room but let's just ignore it and it will go away". Most interesting and in stark contrast to Mr. Somers' optimism, the same edition of AJOT has some negative quotes about OT. Gary Kielhoffner's article, "Scholarship and Practice: Bridging the Divide", includes several less than favorable quotes about OT. Here's one: "The part of convalescence that I found most profoundly humiliating and depressing was [OT]... I was reduced to playing with brightly colored plastic letters ... like a three-year-old..." p.231 How many times is this type of OT treatment done day in and day out year after year. My experience and opinion is that in physical dysfunction settings, this is the norm!! For many years, I have struggled with the profession's stature. Now, I struggle with a feeling that our National leaders are leading the profession into believing that we are going to "flourish in the 21st century" at a time when we can't even adequately define who we are and what we do! Ron -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
